Improvement in bridle attachments



T.- P. GLI NES. Bridle Attachn ent.

No. 199,031. Patented Jan. 8,1878.

,monms.

N'JETERS, VNGTG'UTROGRAPHEIR. WASH NGTON D C UNITED STATES PATENT CFFIOE.

THOMAS P. OLINES, OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.

IMPROVEMENT IN BRIDLE ATTACHMENTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 199,031, dated January 8, 1878 application filed November 6, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS P. OLINEs, of Louisville, in the county of Jefferson and State of Kentucky, have invented a new and Improved Bridle Attachment, of which the following is a specification:

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved bridle attachment, and Fig. 2 is a detail view of the spring-connected pads for closing the nostrils of the horse.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The object of this invention is to furnish an improved safety bridle attachment for preventing horses from running off through fright or other causes, and bringing them to a stop when in the act of running olf.

The attachment may be used for curing runaway horses, and as a safety device when driving or riding spirited horses.

The attachment is based on the principle of preventing the horse from breathing for the time during which it is applied, and of quickly taking it 0E, so as to relieve the horse without any possibility of injuring him by use.

The invention consists of a safety attachment to bridles, consisting of pads that are connected laterally by a spring-band hung by suitable straps to the head-gear of the bridle, and applied or released simultaneously by means of suitable cross-straps and reins.

Referring to the drawings, A represents two pads, that are attached to the ends-of a lateral spring-piece, B, which is made of leather stiflened by a steel spring, as shown in Fig. 2.

The pads are made of soft material, and of such a shape and size as to close the nostrils of the horse when applied to the same.

The lateral spring-piece B serves to keep the pads at a sufficient distance from the nostrils when not in use, and to return them into this position'after use.

The spring-piece and pads are hung by short straps O to the bridle, just above the bitring.

To the outer side of each pad A is attached a round strap, D, that passes down and behind the jaws from each side, and crosses with the strap of the other pad in a ring, E, which may be fastened to the bit-ring or bit, or to any other convenient place close to the aw.

The crossing straps D connect, by snaphooks at their rear ends, with lines F, which run back and through the saddle-studs in such a manner that when brought-into use the lines F tighten the pads on opposite sides thereto. The lines F are made of equal length, and draw thereby both pads at the same time.

After the lines F have passed through the saddle-studs they are buckled to a lateral connecting-strap, F, to which a rein, G, is attached. The rein Gpasses back to the driver, or may be used for hitching, so that when the horse is standing and the reins G are fastened to a post, as soon'as he moves forward beyond his limit the pads are applied to the nostrils, exerting a pressure on the nose which will compel the horse to step back to relieve himself.

In case the horse gets frightened and runs oil, the rein G is drawn back, and thereby, by the lines F and cross-straps D, the pads are drawn down upon the nostrils, completely preventing the horse from breathing, so that he will come at once to a stop.

When the safety-reins are relaxed the pads are instantly removed by the spring-piece B, and brought back into their former position at some distance from the nostrils.

The safety attachment is operated with great facility, and furnishes a means by which a lady even may fully control a lively or spirited animal.

The device may be used with horses under saddle as well as with those attached to vehicles, they being thereby brought absolutely within the control of the rider or driver, so that accidents by runaway or unruly horses are obviated to a considerable extent.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- As a safety attachment to bridles, the combination of pads A, attached to a lateral spring bridge or band, B, and hung to the head-gear of the bridle, with cross-straps D, ring E, lines F F, and rein G, arranged substantially as and for the purpose specified.

THOS. PATRICK GLINES. 

